NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
423 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Sep 30, 2021
Electrical SystemEngine
I'm mid may-end of may I took it in to Fort mill Hyundai the first time because it was starting to crank hard, sounded funny and my dashboard lights would come on saying I needed oil and there was an engine issue. When I idled too long the car would just die, I'd have to shift into park actually turn the car off and let it sit 1…
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I'm mid may-end of may I took it in to Fort mill Hyundai the first time because it was starting to crank hard, sounded funny and my dashboard lights would come on saying I needed oil and there was an engine issue. When I idled too long the car would just die, I'd have to shift into park actually turn the car off and let it sit 1-3 mins turn it back on and all the lights would be off and it would drive like it did before it died, loud. They did testing on it and said these repairs (crankshaft sensor, spark plugs and I think an oil change) should fix it. This was less than a month after my previous oil change. Got the car back 3-4 days later and it sounded better but I still felt like it didn't drive and smooth as it should. 2-3 weeks goes by and my oil light again comes on only with sharp turns. The car over the next couple of days would do the loud cranking noise, didn't drive well over 60 and the engine light came on and gauges would go down but would be fine again once the car was turned off for a couple min like 5 . I set up an appt to hVe them look it over again because of the lights coming back on. Not even 2 days later twice going to and from work it completely died out on me (like the first time) but this time it would turn over once it was out in park and turned off correctly. First time I was in the middle of traffic at a red light waited 10 mins multiple times trying to turn the car on to move to the side and it wouldn't. I let it sit for 5 mins without trying to turn it on and it started the gauges didn't work and it was VERY loud stuck in like first gear wouldn't go above 20 mph. Pulled into a neighborhood turned it off to let it cool off again thinking it was over heating. It would crank but again lights still all on and the gear gauge didn't work (down at 0 liek the car was off). I waiting like 20 mins it still had the lights on but the gauges worked, when I tried to drive home it wouldn't go about 45mph or out of 2nd gear.
NHTSA ODI #11435065
Mileage unknown · Sep 30, 2021
Engine
My Hyundai Tuscon is currently at 104,552 miles with a dead engine. I also have had to bring my car in for oil changes at 2000 miles instead of 3000, because it started eating through oil fast. The morning of my last oil change, 8/17, my engine started making loud clunking noise. After the oil change, on the way home to call …
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My Hyundai Tuscon is currently at 104,552 miles with a dead engine. I also have had to bring my car in for oil changes at 2000 miles instead of 3000, because it started eating through oil fast. The morning of my last oil change, 8/17, my engine started making loud clunking noise. After the oil change, on the way home to call my dealer, Key Hyundai of Milford, my engine shut off while in Drive on a busy street and started smoking. Luckily, I was able to move to the small shoulder and put my hazards on and force the car into park to wait for a tow. If I was not at a safe place to force my car into park the day it died, I could have been seriously injured. No engine lights or any warning lights went on on the dash at all. I had it towed to my auto shop and they said it was leaking oil all over the place, not anywhere an oil changer could access, and could not get it started. They suggested it was a faulty engine and to call Hyundai Corporate, start a case and get it fixed because at just over 100,000 miles it was still considered a young car. I bought this car at 82,000 miles used and was given no warranty on the engine. Hyundai Corporate would only open a case if I had it towed to a Hyundai dealer, and had to fight to get them to tow it themselves to Meriden Hyundai, where it currently sits. This engine failure and the problems leading up to it match exactly that of the large class action suit that is currently going on with Hyundai/Nissan/Kia motors, yet my VIN doesn't match any recalls. Back in March, I had a check engine light that lead to me paying out of pocket for a misfiring cylinder and having to replace the ignition coil and all my spark plugs. I have only had this car since October 2019, and have kept it well maintained. I have been going back and forth with Hyundai Customer Care, and they are sending me in circles and refusing to fix the problem or even attempt to help me solve it.
NHTSA ODI #11435024
Mileage unknown · Sep 20, 2021
EnginePower Train
The vehicle issue began with needing an engine check light. Searched for a recall but there wasn't any engine recalls online for my VIN number. Took the car to the dealer for a recall and they did the recall on some electrical wire that was separate from the engine issue but they just overlooked the engine check light on my das…
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The vehicle issue began with needing an engine check light. Searched for a recall but there wasn't any engine recalls online for my VIN number. Took the car to the dealer for a recall and they did the recall on some electrical wire that was separate from the engine issue but they just overlooked the engine check light on my dashboard and made no mention of it. They actually bypassed it and so I thought maybe they fixed the issue since the light isn't present anymore. However the engine light came and the problem developed into a transmission failure. Upon pressing the gas pedal, the vehicle wouldn't run over 30 miles per hour and could only go up to 4 rpms.. I took the car to the mechanic and he replaced the transmission and he said that the root cause was a result of a burnt gasket. So we had that replace also.. After spending $5000 in repairs, the motor or the engine completely overheated and now the car is just a potato. Another issue is the doors on my car and not opening anymore. I have to manually ply them open by pulling on some mechanical wiring inside the door. Why do I have to pay for bad engineering? This is an obvious risk.
NHTSA ODI #11433599
116,000 miles · Sep 8, 2021
Engine
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and had the vehicle towed to a local dealer. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and was await…
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The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and had the vehicle towed to a local dealer. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and was awaiting a response. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.
NHTSA ODI #11432211
81,000 miles · Aug 13, 2021
EngineLatches/locks/linkages
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH and attempting to accelerate, there was a grinding noise coming from the vehicle. Additionally, if the accelerator pedal was not depressed a certain way, the vehicle would stall. The oil light would illuminate upon starting the vehi…
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The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH and attempting to accelerate, there was a grinding noise coming from the vehicle. Additionally, if the accelerator pedal was not depressed a certain way, the vehicle would stall. The oil light would illuminate upon starting the vehicle and would disappear after a while. The contact would restart the vehicle 3-4 times before the vehicle would regain proper functionality. The failure occurred again while driving 50 mph. The doors failed to open from the inside or the outside except for the driver side door. However, for the driver’s door the contact had to lift the handle twice before the door would open. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 81,000.
NHTSA ODI #11429009
Mileage unknown · Jul 28, 2021
Electrical SystemEngineVehicle Speed Control
All dashboard lights turned on and speedometer stopped working while driving. Vehicle accelerated and braked without driver input.
NHTSA ODI #11426805
Mileage unknown · Jul 20, 2021
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
On May 17th my engine locked up as I was pulling out of a driveway. Check Oil light came on a split second before the car locked up. It was not even enough time for me to safely turn off the engine. Upon my own inspection there was no oil on my oil stick even though car receives regular maintenance. Car is now at the closest d…
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On May 17th my engine locked up as I was pulling out of a driveway. Check Oil light came on a split second before the car locked up. It was not even enough time for me to safely turn off the engine. Upon my own inspection there was no oil on my oil stick even though car receives regular maintenance. Car is now at the closest dealership for TOTAL ENGINE REPLACEMENT. Problem was confirmed to be an issue with the bearings. Communication with the dealership has been poor but I believe inspection is available. They have not completed the repair as they are waiting on a back ordered part. I was about 1.5 hours away from home about to head over a very dangerous 2 lane bridge with no shoulder. I think I would have lost it if I broke down on the bridge.
NHTSA ODI #11425688
Mileage unknown · Jul 7, 2021
Engine
When the vehicles at a complete stop and you go to press on the gas To accelerate the car moving forward, the car stutters. It happens at stop signs, stoplights, anywhere that the car is at a complete stop. This happens every single time. The car has been taken into the dealership and they say everything is fine and nothing is w…
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When the vehicles at a complete stop and you go to press on the gas To accelerate the car moving forward, the car stutters. It happens at stop signs, stoplights, anywhere that the car is at a complete stop. This happens every single time. The car has been taken into the dealership and they say everything is fine and nothing is wrong. However I’ve taking it to a local mechanic and he said that he can definitely feel the stutter in the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI #11423805
Mileage unknown · Jun 9, 2021
Engine
Oil consume really fast, or Oil burn really quick (it supposed to works 5000 miles after oil change, but its burn about 1500-2000 miles). Because of that problem engine get heat really quick and their is maximum possibility for fire (due to heat), fire may cause lack of engine oil. Power (pick up) of car is really low, it is r…
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Oil consume really fast, or Oil burn really quick (it supposed to works 5000 miles after oil change, but its burn about 1500-2000 miles). Because of that problem engine get heat really quick and their is maximum possibility for fire (due to heat), fire may cause lack of engine oil. Power (pick up) of car is really low, it is really slow when stop and go on the road, either FREEWAY or on the Street way. If a car could not pick up or drive forward as normal standard their is great possibility for accident, in freeway more possible and street way as well. I made web based research about these problems, most of the 2016 Hyundai Tucson facing this problem, means this is not my personal problem but THERE IS PROBLEM ALL OF HYUNDAI TUSCON of THIS MODEL. So, Hyundai must solve this problem. Because they know car was defective while they sold us, but defect broke out after long time. There are several 2016 Hyundai Tucson facing typically same problem. This fact proved that car was defective while they sold it to their customers. Most of the time I change oil and do servicing at Hyundai Dealer, but they never tell me about this problem. But When I realized it my warranty was expired. I went to inspect my vehicle with Hyundai Dealer but they want to charge to cure this problem, but, if their is manufacturing defect they have to take care free of cost. Because while they sale the car they did not revealed this problem it is misrepresentation. Police, Insurance Representatives or other did not inspected my vehicle. Their were not any warning lamps message or other symptoms of the problem until now, but when we drive we can feel it. Please do the web based short research to confirm my issues, and help us to solve this problem. In addition, they did not notice me about 2020 break recall, I know this form this web site today.
NHTSA ODI #11420339
60,000 miles · Jun 8, 2021
EngineFire
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that a week after purchasing the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The mechanic informed the contact that the warning light…
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The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that a week after purchasing the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The mechanic informed the contact that the warning light would be reset. While performing a final test drive, the mechanic became aware of smoke coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The mechanic pulled over and attempted to open the hood but was unable to do so. The mechanic then noticed fire coming from underneath the vehicle. The fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. No one was injured. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard by the police. The contact was made aware that the vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 20V543000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) which was the cause of the fire. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
NHTSA ODI #11420157
Official recalls
5Sep 4, 2020
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) recalled certain 2019-2021 Tucson vehicles on September 4, 2020. On December 30, 2020, Hyundai expanded the recall population, and added certain 2016-2018 Tucson vehicles. The Anti-lock Brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) could corrode internally and cause an electrical short, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the HECU fuse. For 2019-2021 model years, the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) software will also be updated. Recall repairs will be performed free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. The recall began November 2, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 195.
Nov 21, 2016
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 19, 2015, to November 14, 2016, and 2017 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured November 28, 2015, to November 14, 2016. The affected vehicles may be equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result, in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected accessory trailer hitch wiring harnesses, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 13, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 153.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Trailer Hitches
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 19, 2015, to November 14, 2016, and 2017 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured November 28, 2015, to November 14, 2016. The affected vehicles may be equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result, in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected accessory trailer hitch wiring harnesses, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 13, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 153.
Electrical System:wiring
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 19, 2015, to November 14, 2016, and 2017 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured November 28, 2015, to November 14, 2016. The affected vehicles may be equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result, in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected accessory trailer hitch wiring harnesses, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 13, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 153.
Aug 30, 2016
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 20, 2015 through May 31, 2016 and equipped with a 7-speed EcoShift Dual Clutch Transmission. Certain driving conditions and high temperatures may cause the vehicle to not move if the accelerator pedal is pressed and released repeatedly.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Inability to move the vehicle while in traffic may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the Transmission Control Module software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on October 28, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 149.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical System:software
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 20, 2015 through May 31, 2016 and equipped with a 7-speed EcoShift Dual Clutch Transmission. Certain driving conditions and high temperatures may cause the vehicle to not move if the accelerator pedal is pressed and released repeatedly.
Consequence: Inability to move the vehicle while in traffic may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the Transmission Control Module software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on October 28, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 149.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 20, 2015 through May 31, 2016 and equipped with a 7-speed EcoShift Dual Clutch Transmission. Certain driving conditions and high temperatures may cause the vehicle to not move if the accelerator pedal is pressed and released repeatedly.
Consequence: Inability to move the vehicle while in traffic may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the Transmission Control Module software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on October 28, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 149.
May 24, 2016
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 19, 2015 to March 14, 2016. In the affected vehicles, if the primary hood latch has been released, and the vehicle is driven, the secondary hood latch may not hold adequately secure the hood to prevent it from opening while the vehicle is in motion.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the primary hood latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch cannot secure the hood, the hood may unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary hood latch, free of charge. The recall began on June 30, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 145.
Mar 10, 2016
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016 Hyundai Tucson vehicles manufactured May 26, 2015 to January 15, 2016 and equipped with an accessory trailer hitch harness either included with the accessory trailer hitch or sold as a service part. In the affected vehicles, when the vehicle's engine is running and the brake lights are illuminated, if the turn signal is activated, the trailer turn signal lights will either turn off or remain continuously illuminated (not flash). As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Failure to illuminate the trailer's turn signal lights would prevent the communication of the driver's intent, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the tow hitch harness, free of charge. The recall began on May 2, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9640. Hyundai's number for this recall is 142.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power
Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.